UM-Maryville? Officials Discuss Merger

UM President Elson Floyd has met with NMU officials to discuss a possible merger.

(File Photo)

By B. Raack, KWMU

Maryville, MO – The University of Missouri system could add Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville as a fifth campus.

UM officials said Monday that they are discussing the possibility with their counterparts at Northwest.

University of Missouri President Elson Floyd said at a news conference in Maryville that such a merger would require state legislation.

I'm not really sure if we'll be able to accomplish it during this legislative session," Floyd said. "We would like to do that. Some would say it's overly ambitious to believe that we could have final legislation before this session adjourns but we'll make every effort to do it, Floyd added.

A spokesman for Northwest Missouri State said Monday that the discussions are partly driven by state revenue shortfalls that have cut funding for both schools.